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Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Bob plays russian roulette

Whilst in Botswana I worked as a lecturer at a College of Education. Whilst working there I struck up a friendship with an Irishman called Bob. Bob was in his late 40's but was quite youthful in his attitude to life and he kept himself in great shape physically. In fact it was through playing squash that I got to know Bob quite well.

Bob and I would play squash at least twice a week and usually grab a quick drink after the game. Bob didn't drink alcohol and whereas I'd knock back a beer or two Bob would have a coke. As we grew to know one another we began to share experiences. Bob had worked in Botswana for several years and had some very interesting tales to tell. I think Bob thought he was impressing me with his stories of his sexual exploits but that was certainly not the case. In fact it was odd. Bob would tell me about how he'd slept with this woman or another but he didn't seem to be boasting. In fact he was very matter of fact in his story telling. I found Bob's stories fascinating. I was particularly fascinated by the fact that a very intelligent man with a great deal of zest for life was regularly playing Russian Roulette with his life by sleeping with up to five women a week. Some of whom he confessed to sleeping with without using a condom. Bob knew the risks of unprotected sex. He knew that 40% of the women in the age range of those he bedded were statistically likely to be HIV positive. He evidently didn't care. I don't know if Bob was HIV positive himself. I don't know if Bob knew his status. I don't think Bob cared! He didn't care if he caught the virus and he didn't care if he passed on the virus. Funnily enough I liked Bob as much as I despised his attitude. I felt sorry for him as well but I know he didn't deserve my sympathy.

2 comments:

Anyone who has unprotected sex like 'Bob', in an shipwreck waith to happen, sorry 'Bob'.

While I mean no offence, or disrespect, someone needs to take 'Bob' aside and talk to him, explain to him, that he is not only risking his one life, but those of his partners, regardless of preference or gender.

If you can't get any literature explaining the risks, let me know, I am will send you some from Australia.

Anyone who has unprotected sex like 'Bob', in an shipwreck waith to happen, sorry 'Bob'.

While I mean no offence, or disrespect, someone needs to take 'Bob' aside and talk to him, explain to him, that he is not only risking his one life, but those of his partners, regardless of preference or gender.

If you can't get any literature explaining the risks, let me know, I am will send you some from Australia.

An ever evolving platform for my musings on African politics and societies with particular focus on Botswana, Malawi and Zambia as these are the countries I have lived and worked in. I attempt to be objective and recognize that I am an outsider looking in on African life and culture. I work as Curriculum Director at an international school in Paris, France and as CEO of Zambezi International Green School in Livingstone, Zambia. My hear is in Africa!